The Effects of Alprazolam Use

Often prescribed for short-term anxiety—such as that associated with airplane travel—regular use of alprazolam can lead to marked dependence and dangerous withdrawal.

When used as prescribed to treat a specific health problem for a short period of time, alprazolam is usually not dangerous. Doctors prescribe this psychoactive drug-sold under the brand name Xanax – to treat anxiety and panic disorders, insomnia and nausea caused by cancer treatment. Alprazolam is classified as a benzodiazepine, which is a type of drug designed to alter brain activity. Because of this, the drug can be dangerous even when taken as prescribed.

Alprazolam Effects Quiz question 1

Data from SDI Health revealed that alprazolam was number eight on the list of most prescribed medications in 2010. Many patients ask their doctors for Xanax by name, because they have heard how good this drug is at relieving anxiety and providing an overall sense of calm. Patients want to continue to take alprazolam due to a desire to feel good, but long-term use of this substance can lead to tolerance, dependence and addiction.

If you have been taking alprazolam and feel like your use of this drug may be getting out of control, there’s no need to be ashamed or fearful. You can get information now on how to help an Alprazolam addict by calling 1-800-943-0566.

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Short-Term Effects of Alprazolam

Alprazolam is prescribed as an anti-anxiety medication; taking alprazolam in excess or for longer duration than intended can be dangerous, and increase the likelihood of benzodiazepine dependency.

When users get high on alprazolam, the short-term effects cause them to feel completely calm, even euphoric, and free from worry. This drug works for people suffering from anxiety and panic disorders because it begins to relieve their anxious feelings and settle their minds soon after taking the medication. Many users compare this substance with alcohol when describing what the alprazolam high is like. If you take it in large doses, the depressant effects are stronger and may cause lapses in memory.

Side Effects

Using alprazolam can cause a variety of side effects, but the most common is drowsiness or calmness. Most alprazolam side effects are relatively uncommon and not serious, but some may require medical care and elimination of the medication. The typical side effects of alprazolam include:

Constipation

Difficulty concentrating

Dry mouth

Excessive talking

Increased salivation

Irritability

Decreased interest in sex

Nausea

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The more serious side effects of alprazolam include:

Altered skin tone

Confusion

Depression

Hallucinations

Memory problems

Seizures

Shortness of breath

If you suffer from any serious medical problem, you should see your doctor right away. If you think you or a loved one may be suffering from a health issue associated with drug use or addiction to alprazolam, help is just a phone call away. Call 1-800-943-0566 today. Our hotline is open 24/7 to help you address your substance abuse concerns.

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Long-term Effects of Alprazolam

One serious long-term effect of alprazolam use is the possibility of physical dependence and addiction. You may begin to grow dependent on the sedative effects of this substance in a short period of time, and tolerance can develop when you take the drug regularly over a long period of time. When a patient becomes tolerant to the effects of alprazolam, he or she must take more of the drug to get the same calm feeling. Taking too much of the drug can lead to addiction and, in severe cases, overdose. Symptoms and signs of an alprazolam overdose can be serious and include:

Difficulty balancing

Dizziness

Extreme sleepiness (much more pronounced than normal)

Fainting

Loss of motor functions

Low blood pressure

Muscle weakness

Shallow breathing

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Although rare, coma and death can occur as a result of alprazolam overdose. Any drug overdose is a serious problem, but overdoses of legal drugs have become more common in recent years. Prescription drugs cause the majority of the more than 26,000 fatal drug overdoses each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Videos on Xanax and other benzodiazepines

Alprazolam Dependence

Dependence on a drug occurs when you begin to feel like you need the substance to function normally. A person who is dependent on alprazolam will typically take the drug every day just to get up and get going. Drug abusers will exhibit particular signs when they are developing an alprazolam dependence, which may include:

Becoming dependent on prescription drugs is a serious and particularly difficult problem because the drug is legal when used as prescribed, and most people take it for a medical reason. This makes an addiction even harder to admit, because you feel like you have a legitimate need for the substance. However, being addicted to alprazolam can be a dangerous illness with serious-and sometimes deadly-consequences.

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You can get help right now for yourself or a loved one who is struggling with an addiction to Xanax by calling 1-800-943-0566 for more information.

Alprazolam Withdrawal Treatment

Withdrawal from alprazolam and other benzodiazepines can be a medical emergency. Inpatient treatment facilities provide medically supervised detox services to usher a patient safely through this difficult process.

Withdrawal from an alprazolam addiction typically involves a process of weaning the body off the drug. This causes physical symptoms that may be severe, even after taking the drug for a short period of time. The side effects experienced during alprazolam withdrawal include:

Aggressive behavior

Blurred vision

Diarrhea

Headache

Light and sound sensitivity

Muscle cramps

Nervousness

Pain

Seizures

Sweating

Vomiting

Because of the severity and duration of alprazolam withdrawal symptoms, detox from this drug should be completed at a reputable treatment center under the care of trained medical professionals. Inpatient rehab centers can treat your alprazolam addiction effectively and confidentially. Get more information about alprazolam abuse and detox centers that can deal with this problem by calling 1-800-943-0566 today.